National Philanthropy Day luncheon recognizes charitable acts

Jackie Pearson talks with Dyron Howell on Thursday during the National Philanthropy Day luncheon in the Amarillo Civic Center Ballroom. Pearson and Howell, as well as Bob Pearson, right, were recognized for their community support efforts.

A new Amarillo resident who has raised about three-quarters of a million dollars for hungry area children, a Spearman couple who spearheaded the construction of a community center and six others were recognized Thursday for their generosity of time and money.

Snack Pak 4 Kids founder Dyron Howell, Bob and Jackie Pearson of Spearman and other businesses, foundations and individuals were feted at the annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals — Texas Plains Chapter.

“A lot of times, their work is behind the scenes, but if it wasn’t for their philanthropy, our nonprofits would not be able to do the work we do,” said Janet Byars, chapter president and executive director of Family Support Services.

“This recognition is not about me or about this program,” Howell said in a video presentation before he accepted his award for outstanding volunteer fundraiser. “It should be about giving these kids a voice.”

“I definitely feel it is an obligation as a boss to give my employees the opportunity to be involved in these things,” Archer said.

Suddenlink was given the outstanding media award for its participation in community events through awareness and fundraising.

The Pearsons led the charge to raise $1.2 million to build the O’Loughlin Center, a community center in Spearman.

“Once you see some benefit from your time and resources, you don’t want to stop (giving),” Bob Pearson said.

Other honorees included:

■ B&W Pantex, outstanding business/corporation, for its monetary and volunteer support of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. The facility’s employees also gave more than 750 units of blood in 2011.

■ Lone Star Ballet Guild, outstanding community service organization, nominated by the Lone Star Ballet for its fundraising and volunteer efforts. The guild was cited for raising $60,000 in 2011 for the ballet.

■ Josephine Anderson Charitable Trust, outstanding foundation, nominated by the ballet for its production support.

■ Susie Akers, outstanding fundraising professional, nominated by the NPD selection committee, for her work with the group and 10-year history as a fundraiser with Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Ceta Canyon Camp & Retreat Center, the Mary E. Bivins Foundation and now United Way of Amarillo & Canyon. “The people I’ve met, the organizations I’ve met see a need and take care of it,” Akers said. “All of us can do something.”

■ Junior Board of the Amarillo Tri-State Fair Exposition, outstanding youth in philanthropy, nominated by the exposition for 600 hours of volunteer service for the fair.